As holiday traditions go, The Nutcracker may be one of the most venerated—a ballet that can trace its roots to 1892 and features Tchaikovsky’s familiar score, from a story that’s even older: E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 short story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Set on Christmas eve, the story follows young Clara as family and friends decorate the tree during a holiday party, and as it proceeds, much of the story plays out in her imagination.
It’s still months sway from the holiday season, but the North County Dance Foundation (ncdpaf.org) has announced auditions for its 30th anniversary production of The Nutcracker: A Storybook Ballet.
“This milestone production celebrates three decades of holiday tradition, community involvement, and local performing arts in North County,” Marketing Director Alyna Gibson announced. “Auditions are open to dancers ages 6 through adult and will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Class Act Dance Studio in Paso Robles.”
An informational meeting will be held Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the studio. Callbacks will take place on Sunday, Aug. 23, by invitation only. Performances will be at Cal Poly’s Spanos Theatre Dec. 4 through 6. Δ
This article appears in 40th anniversary edition.
